Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Crusty Bread – Cozy Fall Comfort Food

As soon as the first leaves fall and the air crisps up, I crave a big bowl of creamy butternut squash soup. This golden, silky soup is autumn in a bowl—warm spices, rich squash, and a touch of creaminess that soothes the soul. Paired with crusty artisan bread, it transforms from a simple starter into a hearty, satisfying meal.

I first fell in love with this soup at a harvest dinner years ago, where a friend served it in hollowed-out mini pumpkins—fancy and unforgettable! Now, I make it often in my own kitchen with humble ingredients, a blender, and a good loaf of bread on the side. It’s wholesome, naturally sweet, and surprisingly easy to prepare—even on a weeknight.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Butternut squash soup isn’t just delicious—it’s loaded with vitamin A, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep. The addition of a crispy, crusty bread slice turns it into a well-rounded lunch or dinner. This version adds garlic, onions, thyme, and just a hint of nutmeg to round out the flavors without overpowering the squash’s natural sweetness.

You can keep it vegan, or swirl in a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra indulgence. Whether you roast the squash or sauté it straight in your soup pot, this dish is endlessly customizable.

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Tips, Substitutions & Equipment

Tips:

• Roast the butternut squash beforehand for a deeper caramelized flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Blend thoroughly for ultra-smooth texture.

Substitutions:

• No butternut squash? Use acorn squash or pumpkin.
• Want it dairy-free? Sub in full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Out of thyme? Try sage or rosemary.

Equipment:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or high-speed blender
• Baking sheet (if roasting squash)
• Sharp knife & peeler
• Ladle

Story Time + Seasonal Insight

I like to call this soup "Sweater Weather Soup"—it’s the dish I return to every October when scarves and candles come back into the mix. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and fills your home with the coziest aroma while simmering on the stove.

This soup is also ideal for holiday menus. Serve it in small cups as a warm appetizer for Thanksgiving, or double the batch for easy make-ahead winter lunches. When paired with crusty sourdough or French bread, it becomes comfort food perfection.

Recipe Card

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Crusty Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley or pumpkin seeds for garnish
• 4 slices crusty artisan bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme.
2. Add squash & broth: Add cubed butternut squash and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until squash is fork-tender.
3. Blend: Remove from heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer in batches to a high-speed blender).
4. Finish: Stir in coconut milk or cream if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or pumpkin seeds, and serve hot with slices of crusty bread.

Storage & Meal Planning

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if too thick.

Meal Planning Tip: Double the recipe and portion into jars or containers for grab-and-go lunches. Pair with different breads (e.g., rye, multigrain) to keep it interesting.

Let’s Get Cozy!

If you make this Butternut Squash Soup with Crusty Bread, let me know how it turned out! Did you add a swirl of cream or go full-on vegan? Leave a comment below, tag me in your cozy soup photos, and don’t forget to share the love on Pinterest or Instagram.

Soup season has officially begun—let’s make the most of it, one delicious bowl at a time.

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